Planning your wedding in a historic building

For many people, getting married in their dream location, means getting married in a big old house or stately home. Many buildings, even well-known ones, offer wedding packages, and are experienced in hosting weddings. However – that doesn’t mean that holding your wedding in a historic building is without its challenges. A good planner can help you navigate these pitfalls, but it’s worth knowing about the issues yourself so that you can ask the right questions and plan the wedding you really want. Here is a few pointers for you to bear in mind when planning your big day.

• Most historic buildings have restrictions on the caterers that can be used. You’ll need to choose from an approved list of people that the building owners know and trust. So if your dream is a hog roast but the caterers at the venue you are considering only offer a formal sit-down meal, then you may need to look elsewhere.
•  If you want exclusivity, you’re going to need to pay a lot of money. If houses are private and regularly host weddings, then you will likely find that the house has several areas available to rent and other weddings will be hosted at the same time, unless you pay for exclusivity. If the building is open to the public, then at least a portion of your wedding is likely to take place during opening hours. Bear in mind that public areas may overlap or join onto the area reserved for your wedding, and ask staff how they manage this.
• Decor may be restricted. You may not be able to choose your own florist (venues often include a table and floral package) or have limitations on table decorations – some may not allow candles with naked flames, but you could get around this by using battery candles. If these things are central to your vision, then ask these questions early on.
• Many venues (and not just old or historic ones) now do not allow confetti, or only allow biodegradable or natural petal confetti. Let your guests know well in advance (perhaps on the invitation) not to bring any of the banned confetti – or let them know that you will supply.
• Many historic venues do not allow smoking anywhere on their premises – including outside. Be sure to ask about this when you make enquiries if you have family or friends who would be put out by it.
• Ask the venue about their recommended photo opportunities and maybe hunt around for some of your own, as you never know what you might find.
• Ask the venue about timing restrictions, as some historic buildings may need you out earlier than you wish.

There are so many historic buildings in the UK that offer fantastic facilities for weddings. If you have any historic buildings that you rate or even have stories about then please let us know.